Ndaka Safari Lodge

About

In the tranquil heart of the African bushveld in the Nambiti Game Reserve, the family-run, family-friendly Ndaka Safari Lodge is dedicated to creating a fantastic safari experience for guests, combining Big Five game viewing with comfortable accommodation and great food.

The safari starts from the moment guests arrive at the gate of the reserve and hop into an open game drive vehicle for the trip through the reserve to the lodge, looking out for the huge variety of wildlife that the 8 900ha area holds.

Safely fenced in, the main lodge is set in large indigenous gardens that provide plenty of space for both children and adults to enjoy, and contains three homely guest rooms, decorated in an Afro-chic style and appointed with King-size (convertible to twins) beds.

Guests can choose between an en-suite shower and bath in the Cheetah and Rhino rooms, or a shower only in the Elephant room. The Elephant and Rhino rooms can be linked to make a comfortable family room. Comforts include fans, heaters, and hairdryers.

Guests will enjoy a bit more luxury in the wheelchair-friendly safari tents, which have enclosed solid walls and offer ample space.

The King-size beds (twin option available) face large glass sliding doors that allow guests to watch wildlife traversing the grassy plain and drinking from the small waterhole. In the lounge area, the insect-proof flaps can be completely rolled up to create a supremely comfortable verandah overlooking the plain.

Each tent is appointed with underfloor heating and ceiling fans to keep guests comfortable in any weather. The en-suite bathrooms have cavernous baths, large showers with gas geysers and the novelty of outdoor showers to connect guests with their surroundings.

Families can have up to three single beds added to the tents, or can choose to stay in a huge double tent with two en-suite King/twin rooms, joined by a spacious lounge area. Two more single beds can be added, making the tent able to accommodate six guests.

At daybreak, a polite knock on the door will rouse guests to the main lodge, where coffee and tea are followed by the morning game drive.

Drives are led by a ranger with expert knowledge of the reserve’s wildlife, who will create a fascinating safari experience that will hopefully include sightings of the Big Five.

On returning to the lodge, a huge continental buffet and cooked-to-order breakfast is served in the entertainment lapa or on the deck. In the free time leading up to a light informal lunch, guest can sip drinks on the lodge deck, relax on the loungers or swim in the pool. Kids can play on the lawn, jump on the trampoline or try their hand at catching bass in the dam. There is a television in the lodge lounge and babysitting is offered by arrangement.

The afternoon drive is accompanied by sundowner drinks at a spectacular site on the reserve, and culminates in a night-time safari where the bush’s nocturnal creatures will be revealed by spotlight. The day ends in superb fashion with a three-course dinner in the lapa or around the camp fire, accompanied by good conversation, fine wines, a dazzling carpet of stars and the enchanting sounds of the bush.

Rates & Summary

6 Luxury Safari Tents

Each sleeps 2 in King-size/twin bedsUp to 3 single beds can be addedEn-suite bath, shower and double basins Outdoor showerLounge areaPlains and waterhole view

Luxury Family Safari Tent

Sleeps 4 in 2 King/twin rooms1 or 2 single beds can be added Both rooms have bath, shower and outdoor showerLounge areaViews overlooking a valley

3 Lodge Rooms

Each sleeps 2 in King-size/twin bedsEn-suite bath and shower or shower onlyTwo rooms can be linked to create a family room

Pricing

For pricing detail, click on CHECK AVAILABILITY & BOOK ONLINE above

Catering

Full Board

Kids

Children of all ages are welcome.All children are welcome on game drives, but the children’s policy needs to be adhered to.The lodge offers a kid’s menu.

Why Stay Here?

Situated in the 8 900ha Nambiti Game Reserve in Kwazulu-Natal, Ndaka Safari Lodge offers full board accommodation in luxury safari tents and rooms, and focuses on providing a family-friendly atmosphere and an absorbing safari experience. The lodge offers a superb all-inclusive safari experience that includes two daily game drives during which the Big Five can be encountered. Families are very well accommodated, while all guests will be treated to delicious South African cuisine prepared by experienced chefs.

Summary

Elegant and luxurious safari tents offering a full-board experience in a private Big 5 game reserve

Family friendly, with the bass fishing and playground for the kids

Offers great value, and on a beautiful reserve

Privacy

Situated a fair way from the main lodge, the family tent is very private.

Things to consider Bringing

Road Conditions

The gravel roads leading to the reserve are suitable for all vehicles.Guests enter the Reserve via the Nambiti Memorial Gate, park their cars at the car park within the Reserve and be picked up from the car park.

Activities & Attractions

Swimming pool

Game drives

Bass fishing

Details

Accommodation & Hospitality

Lounge

Ceiling fans

Heater included

Under floor heating

Bed linen supplied

Bathroom towels supplied

Swimming towels supplied

Hair dryer available

Daily housekeeping

No smoking indoors

Catering & Kitchen

Full board

Licensed

Utilities

Water supply good for drinking

Electric geysers

Eskom electricity

Leisure Amenities

Swimming pool

Garden

Business & Connectivity

Wi-Fi

Limited cell phone reception

Access & Convenience

Limited wheelchair friendliness

Babysitting available

Child friendly

No pets allowed

Off street parking

Nearest shops further than 10km

Nearest fuel further than 10km

No shuttle service available

Payment

Credit cards accepted

EFT accepted

Cash accepted

Gallery

Map

Blog

Zululand & the Battlefields

Highlights

About

It was from the bush and grassland of northern KwaZulu-Natal that the impis of King Shaka emerged, sweeping down onto the other tribes of the hinterland and eventually engaging the British forces and shaking the very roots of the Empire. At the height of its power, the Zulu nation covered 30 000km2, but 60 years after it was first formed, its reign was over. In those 60 years, the Zulus shaped the future of the country and were engaged in battles with the Boers and the British, but these were not the only bloody conflicts in the region.

After the Zulu empire was broken, the English and the Boers fought for control of South Africa, with many battles taking place in Natal. While the best-known battles in the area are undoubtedly Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, as well as the siege of Ladysmith, there is fascinating history to be had at countless other ones.

The beauty of the scenery clashes harshly with the devastating past, while the rough terrain makes one wonder how the machines of war were manhandled across the country, and how the Zulu impis managed to cover such vast distances in a single day, barefoot.

The regions of Zululand and the Battlefields merge together and are hard to separate, stretching from the northern and western KwaZulu-Natal borders to the towns of Ladysmith and Colenso in the south and towards the Elephant Coast in the east.

Zululand has managed to remain largely unaffected by industrial expansion and much of it remains farmland, timber plantations and rural wilderness, including beautiful Big-Five game reserves and grasslands.

On the other hand there is the industrial hub of Richards Bay, the largest port in South Africa.

Tourism revolves around the natural beauty and diversity, as well as the haunting battlefields on which so many lost their lives and which are simply fascinating to visit, especially with a knowledgeable guide, of which there are a few.

Since this is the birthplace of the Zulu nation, it is also the place to come to grips with Zulu tradition, culture and history.

A number of cultural experiences exist, where tourists can become immersed in the local tradition and culture, learning a huge amount and enjoying themselves even more.

A few reserves in the region offer good game-viewing, from Weenen and Spioenkop in the south up to Ithala in the north. The diverse ecosystem means that hundreds of bird species are present, and a few notable bird-watching spots include the Dlinza and Ongoye forests, as well as the wetlands of Richards Bay.

An area as large and diverse will always have an almost endless array of attractions, and Zululand and the Battlefields are no different, from fishing in Richards Bay to horse-riding, mountain-biking, game-viewing and bird-watching. There is even a brewery to lighten the spirits when the history gets a little heavy.

Look out for

Zululand Brewery in Eshowe is a great place to pop in for a relaxing Zulu Blonde Export Ale, a beer that has won awards and rave reviews internationally. While you’re sitting at The Happy George Bar, ask around for recommendations on what’s new to do in the area.

The Dlinza and Ongoye Forests are serious birding hotspots and both are easily accessible. In fact, the Dlinza aerial boardwalk is something that even non-birders will enjoy and appreciate.

Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift are the two seminal battlefields in the Battlefields tour and are both intensely fascinating and moving. A good guide is invaluable in bringing them to life. Ulundi and Blood River are also well worth visiting, giving different insights into the bloodshed that shaped this land.

Take a hike up Majuba or Spioenkop mountains, both of which offer sensational views in addition to stirring battlefield history. The historic O’Neills cottage, where a peace treaty was signed to end the first Anglo-War, lies at the base of Majuba.

The majestic Ithala Game Reserve in the very north of KwaZulu-Natal offers good game-viewing and bird-watching, as well as epic scenery of mountains and valleys. While there is a variety of accommodation, the pick of it is undoubtedly the bush camps that can be booked out for your group.

Every year the Zulu nation holds the Reed Ceremony near the eNyokeni Royal residence in Nongoma north of Melmoth, thousands of maidens gathering to pay their respect to their king. This happens in spring and visitors from all over the world come to watch the women dance and sing to King Goodwill Zwelithini in his ceremonial regalia.

The eMakhosini Ophate Heritage Park should not be missed by anyone with a sense of history. It is the birthplace of the Zulu clan and what is known as the Valley of the Kings. The Spirit of eMakhosini memorial and an educational multimedia centre are worth a visit, and there is also game, including the rare oribi antelope and black rhino.

Immerse yourself in the Zulu culture at a place like Shakaland and watch Zulu dancing, ask a sangoma (witch doctor) for his sage advice, sample traditional Zulu beer, listen to singing and perhaps try out a few simple phrases for yourself. Arts and crafts are also on sale and make wonderful gifts and souvenirs.